Parents of First-Graders Submit More Than 180,000 Requests for the School Backpack Program

Ukraine's School Backpack Assistance

According to Пенсії (RSS): Since the one-time state aid initiative known as the School Backpack program was launched, parents of incoming first-grade students have filed more than 180,000 applications. The Pension Fund of Ukraine has financed 723.6 million hryvnias for the payments, which have already reached over 144,700 families. Each eligible household receives 5,000 hryvnias to help support a child who has been enrolled in first grade this year. The payment is designed to ease the financial burden of preparing a child for school.

What the Money Can Be Used For

The funds can be spent on essential school supplies and related items, including:

• clothing
• footwear
• stationery
• books
• other children's products

Families that have not yet received the payment can submit an application until November 1, 2026. The application can be completed online through the Diia app or in person at a service center of the Pension Fund of Ukraine.

More information about the School Backpack program can be found on the Pension Fund's website.

This initiative plays an important role in supporting families with children who are just starting their school journey. It helps ensure that young students have the necessary items for learning while reducing the financial strain on households during this adjustment period. The extended application window gives families plenty of time to take advantage of the support.

In a related development, the support for first-graders is set to benefit an even larger group of families, with funds allocated for 243,000 students. Each of these households will receive a similar amount of 5,000 hryvnias to assist with back-to-school preparations. For more details on this initiative, visit the back-to-school funding program.